possible impossible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "possible impossible" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used in a context discussing paradoxes or contradictions, but clarity is essential. Example: "In a world where anything can happen, the concept of 'possible impossible' challenges our understanding of reality."

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

We must remember that acts which we now reject were also possible within our community, as we work to make what was once possible impossible.

The Guardian - Opinion

In the autumn, their surprising, simple and celebrated adaptation of Hungarian novelist Ágota Kristóf's The Notebook tours the UK, as does the company's first children's show, The Possible Impossible House.

The Guardian

The modes of causable and not causable do not correspond to the standard modes of necessary, possible, impossible, and contingent.

SEP

Scholastics usually treat only the following six terms as modals: "possible," "impossible," "true," "false," "necessary," and "contingent".

SEP

And the beauty of it is that, unlike reality, arts make everything possible ("impossible world") by the simple fact that art is a matter of perception with limitless possibilities.

Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

The patients' ability to supinate or pronate the wrist as well as the forearm was evaluated and incapacities were recorded (Supination/Pronation: possible; partially possible; impossible).

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

An SOA is said to be possible (necessary, impossible) insofar as it is possible (necessary, impossible) that it obtain.

SEP

With her my project seems more possible than impossible.

The New Yorker

"Possible versus impossible" is not like "tall versus short".

The New Yorker

3. Don't judge what you have written as good or bad, possible or impossible.

The Guardian

Trouble is, in reality, Shell wants to think the possible is impossible.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Using "possible impossible" with proper context helps create impact. For example, instead of just stating 'the project seemed impossible', you could say 'the project was a "possible impossible" situation, requiring us to rethink our fundamental assumptions.'

Common error

Avoid using "possible impossible" when you simply mean 'difficult' or 'unlikely'. The phrase is most effective when emphasizing a genuine contradiction or paradox, not just a challenging task. If it doesn't involve a clash of concepts, opt for clearer and more straightforward language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "possible impossible" functions as a noun phrase or a compound adjective, often used to describe situations or concepts that are paradoxical or defy conventional expectations. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase isn't standard and may cause confusion, clarity is essential.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "possible impossible" describes situations or concepts that are paradoxical or defy conventional expectations. Grammatically acceptable but unconventional, the phrase is more frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts. Ludwig AI suggests it is more effective when emphasizing a genuine contradiction. When using "possible impossible", ensuring the context is crystal clear is crucial to prevent misunderstanding. Alternatives such as "apparent paradox" or "seeming impossibility" may provide more clarity depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seeming impossibility

Implies something appears impossible but might not be.

unlikely possibility

Emphasizes the improbable nature of something happening.

achievable impossibility

Swaps "possible" with "achievable", emphasizing the feasibility aspect of something deemed impossible.

apparent paradox

Focuses on the paradoxical nature of the situation, where something defies logic.

potential contradiction

Replaces the terms with a focus on the contradictory nature of the concept.

conceivable impossibility

Highlights the idea that something impossible can still be imagined or conceived.

theoretical impossibility

Highlights the theoretical aspect of something thought to be impossible.

theoretically achievable

Highlights that despite not being practically achievable, some things are theoretically achievable.

practically impossible

Focuses on the difficulties of achieving a theoretical possibility.

oxymoronic opportunity

Highlights the oxymoron that is in front of us as an opportunity.

FAQs

How can "possible impossible" be used effectively in writing?

Use "possible impossible" to describe situations where conventional boundaries are blurred or when a goal seems both attainable and unattainable. Ensure that the context clearly conveys the paradoxical nature of the situation to avoid confusion.

What are some alternatives to "possible impossible" that might provide more clarity?

Depending on the context, consider using phrases like "apparent paradox", "seeming impossibility", or "unlikely possibility" to convey a similar meaning with potentially less ambiguity.

Is "possible impossible" grammatically correct?

While not a standard or commonly used phrase, "possible impossible" is grammatically acceptable as a noun phrase, particularly in contexts where paradox or contradiction is emphasized. However, its unconventional nature means clarity is paramount.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the term "possible impossible"?

The term is most appropriate in philosophical discussions, creative writing, or when describing innovative approaches to problems that initially seem insurmountable. It’s less suitable for formal or technical writing where precision is key.